Howells is located in Colfax County northwest of Fremont, between Clarkson and Scribner along Hwy 91.
The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 701, an increase of 86 since 1990.
In 1887, officials of the Fremont Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad designated the name Howell to the community. This name honored James Smith Howell, who was a local surveyor, farmer and teacher.